Hearts keeper Colin Doyle joins Kilmarnock on loan

Irishman makes move to Rugby Park after Eastwood injury
Colin Doyle has left Hearts to join Kilmarnock on loan.Colin Doyle has left Hearts to join Kilmarnock on loan.
Colin Doyle has left Hearts to join Kilmarnock on loan.

Hearts goalkeeper Colin Doyle has joined Kilmarnock on loan until January.

The move helps the Rugby Park club cope with Jake Eastwood’s absence for up to 12 weeks because of a thigh injury.

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It also allows Doyle the chance to compete for game time after falling out of favour at his parent club.

The 35-year-old Irishman was told he was surplus to requirements by former manager Daniel Stendel, and new manager Robbie Neilson signed Craig Gordon as first-choice keeper.

With Zdenek Zlamal back-up and teenager Harry Stone on the verge of breaking into the first-team squad, Doyle has taken the chance of a loan move.

Eastwood was injured on his Kilmarnock debut against Hibs at Easter Road ten days ago, leaving Danny Rogers as the only senior goalkeeper.

Alex Dyer, the Kilmarnock manager, said: “After what has happened to Jake in terms of his unfortunate injury, I felt it was important to bring in an experienced goalkeeper, who has knowledge of the league.

“Colin has experience of playing in big games and we welcome him to the club.”

Doyle will link up again with former Hearts defender Clevid Dikamona, who joined the Ayrshire club last week.

The goalkeeper told the Kilmarnock website: “I’m really pleased to join Kilmarnock and I’m excited by the opportunity to play football again.

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“I’m looking forward to meeting up with the lads tomorrow and hopefully I can show what I can do for the team whenever I’m given an opportunity.”

Doyle is due to return to Hearts after New Year. His contract there expires in May 2021.

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